Nine local students and an aspiring firefighter are one step closer to achieving their career goals thanks to the annual Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarships, presented by AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.
Now in its fourth year, the scholarship program awarded a total of $6,000 to recipients pursuing careers in healthcare and public service while honoring the life and legacy of Ethan Wilson, a firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department who died in 2023 following a surfing accident.
Wilson, a New Smyrna Beach resident, was treated at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach before becoming an organ donor. Today, the scholarship program continues to celebrate his commitment to serving others by investing in the next generation of caregivers and first responders.
“Ethan’s name still means something here,” said Nick Nates, captain of the Ormond Beach Fire Department, in a statement. “Seeing these young men and women pursue careers dedicated to helping others is a reminder that Ethan’s legacy continues to make an impact in our community.”
This year’s scholarship recipients include firefighter scholarship recipient Jarvis Cason, along with Morgan Johnson of Astronaut High School, Savannah Regan, Celeste Coney, Brynn Fischer-Carne, Sophie Guevara, and Samual McDuffie of New Smyrna Beach High School, Dean Zacharis of Spruce Creek High School, and Lucas N. Yee of Pine View School.
As a not-for-profit healthcare organization, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach created the scholarship program to support local students pursuing careers in medicine, emergency response, and public service.
“These students earned this recognition through hard work and a real commitment to service, leadership, and academic excellence,” said Dr. Heather Metchick, chief of staff at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “This scholarship gives them a little more support as they take the next step.”
Dr. Jose Rosado, chief medical officer at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, said the annual ceremony is about more than financial assistance; it’s about encouraging future professionals who have already demonstrated a passion for helping others.
“When you look around this room, you see people who want to make a difference,” Rosado said. “Whether they become nurses, physicians, paramedics, or firefighters, supporting them today helps build the next generation of caregivers and first responders. We hope to welcome some of them back to AdventHealth one day as colleagues.”
For Ethan’s wife, Ashley Wilson, the scholarship ceremony serves as a lasting tribute to her husband’s life of service.
“It is hard to put into words how much it means to see Ethan remembered this way,” she said. “He lived to help people. Seeing students carry that forward makes his legacy feel close and alive.”
Since its launch, the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarship has continued to recognize students who exemplify leadership, compassion, and a desire to serve their communities, ensuring Wilson’s legacy lives on through those following in his footsteps.
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